Discharge coefficient of a broad crested side weir in an earthen channel

Side weirs are widely used to divert flows from rivers and channels. However, the hydraulic behavior of this type of weir is complex and difficult to predict accurately. Previous studies on side weirs have generally focused on side weirs in rectangular channels with a smooth bed. However, one of the applications of side weirs is in irrigation systems which have trapezoidal cross sections and significant bed roughness. The present study investigates the hydraulic behavior of a broad crested side weir in an earthen channel with a rough bed under subcritical flow. These investigations showed that the side weir discharge coefficient is influenced by four main parameters which are upstream Froude number, ratio of the main channel width to the upstream flow depth, ratio of the length of the side weir to the main channel width and ratio of side weir height to the upstream flow depth. The results showed that the discharge coefficient of the side weir gives a lower coefficient value compared to other researchers’ equations. Nearly 90 experimental tests were carried out and finally new equations are proposed for prediction of discharge coefficient of a broad crested side weir in an earthen channel under subcritical conditions which can be mainly used in common irrigation systems.